Animal Care Certificate

Animal Care Certificate

If you ask anyone why they want to study animals, the chances are that it is because they love them and want to work with them! If this is you, then this course could be the ideal first step into your career in the animal care industry.

Our specially designed animal husbandry school is set in the beautiful grounds of Bicton, boasting an impressive collection of animals, with over 150 different species.

This course gives you experience and confidence with working with a range of domestic and exotic species, you will get to study and work alongside an array of animals from lemurs and coatis, to llamas and snakes.

Health checking, nutrition, preparing accommodation and even dissections are just some of the essential skills you will learn as you progress through this one year course.

As a level 2 Course, it is ideal should your GCSE results not be what you expected, or if you prefer a course with a mixture of assignments, practical and exam based assessments. This is also the best option for progressing onto the level 3 course. You will be learning from our experienced lecturers and technical staff, who have worked in the industry before and can pass on the skills to help you pursue your career in the animal care industry.

Caring for animals is an extremely fulfilling and rewarding career. From working in kennels and catteries, pet shops or rescue centres, there are a wide range of careers available on completion of this course.



As part of your course, you will be required to carry out work experience in an animal care establishment of your choice, giving you ‘real life’ experience of what it takes to work in the industry, as well as being able to enjoy visits to local zoos and wildlife parks.

What you will learn Entry requirements Work experience Assessment Progression Bicton College

What you will learn

This one-year course will provide you with the essential knowledge and experience of working with and caring for a range of animals, including looking at the health and husbandry for a range of species, health checking, control and restraint of animals, feeding requirements, and putting these into practice during synoptic assessments.

You will study units including biology, where you will explore the animal kingdoms and the internal structure of animals.

Breeds and grooming explores the canine and feline breed groups, and care exotics provides you with the essentials in looking after exotic species such as bearded dragons.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for this course are to gain a Level 4 in either maths or English at GCSE, and three other GCSEs at grade 3. A biology GCSE would prove beneficial.

Work experience

As part of your course, you will be required to undertake a minimum of 150 hours of work experience made out of internal and external relevant animal-based placement. A minimum of 1-week of external work experience (30 hours) is required for completion of the qualification.

Assessment

You will be assessed through synoptic assignment and exam alongside coursework.

Progression

Those who are passionate about continuing their study of animal care can progress onto our level 3 programme to continue their studies, which can even lead onto gaining a degree.

You could also look to gain an apprenticeship in this sector which we can help you with upon completion

It can also help you gain a career once you have completed compulsory full time education in many animal related careers, such as an animal care assistant, pet shop assistant or even a zookeeper.

Bicton College

Bicton College is based in East Devon, near Exeter, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just two miles from the Jurassic Coast. The historic Georgian mansion, commercial farm, animal husbandry school, modern veterinary nursing building, world-class engineering and heavy plant machinery workshop, walled garden and arboretum are all set in over 200 hectares of historic parkland.

What You Will Learn

This one-year course will provide you with the essential knowledge and experience of working with and caring for a range of animals, including looking at the health and husbandry for a range of species, health checking, control and restraint of animals, feeding requirements, and putting these into practice during synoptic assessments.

You will study units including biology, where you will explore the animal kingdoms and the internal structure of animals.

Breeds and grooming explores the canine and feline breed groups, and care exotics provides you with the essentials in looking after exotic species such as bearded dragons.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for this course are to gain a Level 4 in either maths or English at GCSE, and three other GCSEs at grade 3. A biology GCSE would prove beneficial.

Work Experience

As part of your course, you will be required to undertake a minimum of 150 hours of work experience made out of internal and external relevant animal-based placement. A minimum of 1-week of external work experience (30 hours) is required for completion of the qualification.

Assessment

You will be assessed through synoptic assignment and exam alongside coursework.

Progression

Those who are passionate about continuing their study of animal care can progress onto our level 3 programme to continue their studies, which can even lead onto gaining a degree. You could also look to gain an apprenticeship in this sector which we can help you with upon completion It can also help you gain a career once you have completed compulsory full time education in many animal related careers, such as an animal care assistant, pet shop assistant or even a zookeeper.

Bicton College

Bicton College

Bicton College is based in East Devon, near Exeter, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just two miles from the Jurassic Coast. The historic Georgian mansion, commercial farm, animal husbandry school, modern veterinary nursing building, world-class engineering and heavy plant machinery workshop, walled garden and arboretum are all set in over 200 hectares of historic parkland.

Case studies

Anna had her confidence knocked when she didn't get the A Level results she needed for veterinary school. But this didn't stop her pursuing her dream career - she enrolled on the FdSc Animal Health and Management at Bicton College and went on to gain a first class BSc (Hons) in Animal Science and an MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology.

"I'm now working as a Senior Research Associate for a University in Hong Kong, my research focuses on injuries in racehorses at the Hong Kong Jockey Club. I love that I am at the forefront of equine epidemiology and my research makes a real difference to the racehorses here.

The FdSc is a great course if you are undecided on your future career because it keeps all your doors open, and through assignments and research projects, you are able to sculpt your degree to the animals and industries you're most interested in. Additionally, keep saying yes to every opportunity because you have no idea where you'll end up!"